What you should know about your transfer case problems: Miramar

A transfer case is a device that splits a vehicle's engine power and directs it to the front and rear drive axles of a four-wheel drive vehicle. It is mounted behind the transmission and both front and rear drive shafts connect to it. It contains either gears or a chain drive system in which the power is distributed from the transmission to the axles. The transfer case will typically have the ability to shift between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high range, four-wheel drive low range and neutral.

When operating in two-wheel drive mode, the transfer case directs power to the rear axle of the vehicle. The internal components of the case are not being turned under power from the engine. The gears inside the case are being turned and lubricated by the turning tires and wheels of the vehicle only as it is being driven. In the neutral position, the transfer case prevents the vehicle's transmission from being connected to the drive line while the vehicle is being towed.

A list of some of the basic problems, and some solutions

Your transfer case is difficult to shift into the desired range:

• Your speed may be too great to permit engagement. Stop your vehicle and shift into the desired range while stopped.
• The shift linkage is loose, bent or binding. Check the linkage for damage or wear, and replace or lubricate as necessary.
• If your vehicle has been driven on a paved surface for some time, the driveline torque can make shifting difficult. Stop and shift into 2-wheel drive on paved or hard surfaces.
• Your lubricant may be insufficient, or may be the incorrect grade. Drain and refill the transfer case with the specified lubricant.
• Worn or damaged internal components. In this instance, disassembly and overhaul of the transfer case may be necessary.

Your transfer case is noisy in ALL gears:

• Your lubricant may be insufficient, or may be the incorrect grade. Drain and refill the transfer case with the specified lubricant.

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